Folding go-cart.



No. 880,211. l`1?A'I.1\TTED FEB. 25, 1908.

G. s. GROSS. FOLDING Go-GA'RT.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 17, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

SLW/himno C?. QVLYZ).

-`PATIINTED PEB. 25, 190s.

C. S. GROSS. FOLDING GO-GART. APPLICATION IILBD JUNE 17, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

110. 880,211. PATENTED 11118. 25, 1808.

C. S. GROSS.

FOLDING GO-CART'. APPLIoATIoN FILED JUNE 17, 1807.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

' rn: NaRRls Ps-rsRs co wasnmcron, n. c.

CARL S. GROSS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

FOLDING GO-CART.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 25, 1908.

Application filed June 17| 1907. Serial No. 379.353.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, CARL S. GROSS, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Folding Cro-Cart, of which the following is a specification. A

My invention relates to a new and useful folding go-cart and consists in providing means whereby the wheels and other portions of the cart are inclosed in the form of a box, the bach, sides, etc., forming the same.

It further consists of other novel details of construction, all as will be hereinafter fully set forth.

Figure l represents a perspective view, showing the go-cart in closed position. Fig. 2 represents a side elevation, showing the parts in their iirst position in order to open the cart. Fig. 3 represents a side elevation,

Ashowing' the next position the part will assume when the cart is being opened. Fig. 4 represents a slde elevation, showing the cart 1n operative position. F 1g. 5 represents a sectional view of a portion of a handle employed. Fig. 6 represents a sectional view on an enlarged scale loolring at the bottom of the go-cart. Fig. 7 represents a detached part of the connecting bars employed. Fig. 8 represents a perspective View, showing the adjusting means for the foot piece. Fig. 9 represents a sectional view, showing means for connecting the handle in its diierent positions. Fig. 10 represents a front elevation of a portion of the chair. Fig. 11 represents a partial perspective, partial sectional view showing the construction employed to lock the back in different positions. Fig. 12, represents a partial perspective, partial sectional view showing the lock for the back. Fig. 13 is a perspective detail showing the pivotal connection of the foot rest.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the iigures.

{eferring to the drawings. 1 and 2 designate the base plates, each of which are provided with the hollow bosses 3, in which are adapted to be secured in any suitable manner the legs`4 of the device. 5 and 6 designate bars, the former of whi ch are connected with the base plate 1, in the present instance, and the latter, as 6, being connected with the base plate 2, in any suitable manner and connected with each of said bars 5 and 6 are the straps 7 and 8, which encircle the opposite bar whereby the said bars can slide with respect Aposition when it is desired to fold or close the go-cart, or they can be turned into the position seen in Fig. 4 when the go-cart is to be used, the collars 9 rotating upon the legs 4 for this purpose. Carried by the base plates or forming part thereof, are the base strips 14, Y

which are provided with the slots 15, and pivotally connected with said base strips 14, at their forward end, as at 16, are the seat plates 17, which it will be seen move with the said base plates 1 and 2 and the strips 14 as already described. Rigidly secured to the said seat plates 17 are the sides 18 and pivoted to the rear portion of the seat plates 17, as at 19, are the back pieces 20, one of which has connected therewith, a bar 21, and the other having a bar 22 connected therewith., each of whichis provided with a flat face sliding upon the other, whereby it will be seen that said bac-k pieces can be moved towards and away from each other when the base strips 14 are so moved.

Pivotally mounted on the bars 2l and 22 is a back plate 23, which has lugs 24 projecting inwardly therefrom adapted to enter slots or openings 25 suitably formed in the back pieces 2O and also carried by said back plate 23 are the hooks 26 which are adapted to enter suitable slots in the back plates 20, each of which latter is provided With the pivoted catch 27, provided with the thumb piece 28 for operating the same, it being understood that when the parts are in assembled position, the hooks 26 are adapted to receive the catches 27 and hold the parts in proper position, this being clearly shown in Fig. 12.

On the interior of each of the sides 18 are headed pins 29 with which are adapted to engage the rack arms 30 provided with the teeth 31 for this purpose, said arms 30 being pivoted to oFF-sets or flanges 32 carried by each of the backpieces 20, said flanges being adapted to be seated between the sides 1S when the parts are in lassembled position, it being understood that by this means, the position ofthe back can be varied and placed at an angle if desired and held in said adjusted position, it being further understood, as shown in Fig. 10, that when the back pieces 20 are extended the proper amount, th at the plate 23 will fill in the space between the said back pieces, thus forming a solid back.

Depending from the base strips 14 are the ears 33, which carry a shaft 34. Mounted upon said'sh'aft 34 are the arms or brackets 35 which have the ofl`-set portions 36, to which is pivoted the foot rest 37 said brackets or arms having the slots 36, so that movement of the arms on the bar 34 is permitted and said arms 35 being also provided with the extensions 39 which have lugs 4() adapted to be seated. in the teeth or recesses 41 in the segments 42, which are carried by or connected with the lugs 33, whereby it will be seen that the position of the foot rest 37 and of the braclre'st 35 can be adjusted according to requirements.

Connected one with each of the side pieces 18, are the plates 43, see Fig. 9, which have the two openings 44 and 45 therein, said plates having the neck 46 thereon, which are adapted to receive and carry the ring 47 which is connected with and forms part of the handle bars 48, and said ring also having the pin or projection 49 adapted to enter either the openings 44 or 45 depending upon the position in which it is desired the handle shall be held. The nut 50 engaging with the threaded portion 51 of the plate 43 is adapted to lock the handle on each side in position, holding the pin 49 in its yrespective opening 44 or 45. The said handle arms 48 are each provided with a semicircular bar 52, the flat faces of which are adapted to slide one upon the other, and together forming a round bar, said bars 52 being held together by the sleeves 53 and 54, one of said bars being provided with a groove 55 in which slides the pins 56, carried by the other, so that these parts are properly guided in their movements. Suitable handles 57 for grasping, are also mounted upon the sleeves 53.

58 designate locking pins which are carried by the base strips 14 which are adapted to pass through the slots 15 in the said strips 14 and after passing through are turned in order to lock the said seat plates 17 with respect to the base strips 14.

When the parts are extended, I provide the flexible material 59 which bridges the opening formed between the bottom plates 17.

The base strips 14 are provided with the catches 60 and the back plate 23 is provided with the co-acting catch 61, these parts being caused to engage when the parts are in closed position as seen in Fig. 1.

The operation ofthe device is as follows t- When the parts are assumed to be in the position seen in Fig. 1, the go-cart is folded or closed and is readyfor transportation or to be carried, which can be easily done by grasping the handle and it will be noted that all of the parts are inclosed, thus forming the appearance of a box and at the same time, the device is compact and easily handled. In order to open4 the same, the catches 60 and 61 are disengaged and the back plate 23 is thrown back upon the bars 21 and 22, and the side pieces -18 carrying the back pieces 20 are turned upon their hinge 16, so that the seat plates 17 rest upon the base strips 14, as shown in Fig. 3. The back plates 20 are then turned upon until they are placed in proper position between the side pieces 18. At the same time, the catches 58 pass through the slots 15 in the base strips 14 and after being turned, lock the bottom blates 14 and the side pieces 18 with respect to the supports. The back plates 20 in the meantime have been properly turned upon their pivots 19 and the teeth 31 of the bar 3() caused to engage with the head of the pins 29 to hold the back plates in desired position. When the parts have assumed this position, the base plates 1 and 2l are moved apart, this separation being permitted by reason of the arrangement of the bars 5 and 6 with respect to each other. The

their pivotal point 19 1 separation of the base plates 1 and 2 carryl with them the two strips 14 and also the seat plates 17 which have been locked thereto, the opening between these plates being closed by the flexible material 59, as already described.

As the seat plates 17 are separated, the back pieces 2() are also separated, this movement being permitted by reason of the slid ing engagement lof the bars 21 and 22 and when the parts have been thus situated, the back plate 23 is moved into position, causing the lugs 24 to pass through the slots 25 in the back pieces 2O andthe hook 26 is in suitable position to be engaged by the catch 27, so that the openin between the back plates 20 is closed by the ack plate 23 and these parts are suitably locked in position.

The foot piece 37 which when the parts are closed is caused to assume the position seen in Fig. 3, can now be placed in suitable. position by turning the bars 35 upon the rod 34 and causing the lugs 40 to engage in suitable recesses in the segments 42, so that the said bars 35 are held in suitable position and by turning the plate 37, which as before stated is hin ed to the bars 35, the foot piece is cause to assume the position seen in Fig. 4.

The wheels 13 which when in closed position are turned inwardly between the legs 4 can now be lowered thereon by loosening the set screws 10 and can be turned outwardly in the position seen in Figs. 4 and 10, so that the go-cart will rest upon the wheels. The nuts 50 meanwhile have been released, so that the handle which when in closed position as seen in Fig. 1 with the pin 49 seated in the recess 45, can now be removed therefrom by forcing out the handle bars 48 and turning the ring 47 about the neck 46 until the pin 49 is seated in the recess 44, after which the nuts 50 are again-turned to lock the parts in position. The cart is then ready for use and the seat may receive the cushion or other device as may be desired.

The reverse operation, as justdescribed, can be performed in order to close the carriage and cause the parts to again assume the position seen in Fig. 1.

It will be noted from the above that not only do the parts fold, but also they can move towards and away from each other, whereby When in use as a go-cart, the device will be of the proper size and width, but when folded to be carried or transported, the width is very much reduced, the advantages of which are evident.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a device of the character described, base plates, -running gear carried thereby, seat plates, sides, back pieces, and a back plate suitably pivoted together, whereby the running gear can be located within the other parts when the cart is folded and means allowing the parts to be slidably moved toward and from each other.

2. In a device of the character described, base plates, running gear carried thereby, seat plates, sides, back pieces and a back plate suitably pivoted together, whereby the running gear can be located Within the other parts when the cart is folded, means allowing the parts to be slidably moved toward and from each other and a handle adjustably mounted on said sides, whereby the position of the same can be varied.

3. In a device of the character described, base plates, running ear carried thereby, seat plates, sides, bac pieces, and a back plate suitably pivoted together, whereby the running gear can be located Within the other parts when the cart is folded, handles carried by said side pieces, and means for adjusting and locking said handles in adjusted position and means allowing the parts to be slidably moved toward and from each other.

4. In a device of the character described, base plates, adjustable connecting means therefor, back pieces adjustably connected, seat pieces adjustably connected, a back plate, a running gear carried by said base plates, and means for pivotally connecting the suitable parts, whereby the cart can be folded or opened and means allowing the parts to be slidably moved toward and from each other.

5. In a device of the character described,

base plates, legs carried thereby, wheels adjustably and rotatably mounted upon said legs, seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates, sides connected With said seat pieces, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, and means whereby the parts can'be moved towards and away from each other.

-6. In a device of the character described, base plates, seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates, sides carried by said seat pieces, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, and means for adjustably connecting said back pieces with said sides, whereby the position of the back can be varied as desired and means allowing the parts to be slidably moved toward and from each other.

7. In a device of the character described, base plates, seat pieces pivotally connected therewith, locking means for locking the seat pieces to said base plates, sides connected with said seat pieces, lback pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, and a back plate pivoted to said back pieces for closing the opening therebetween when the parts are separated.

S. In a device of the character described, base plates, seat pieces pivotally connected With said base plates, sides carried by said seat pieces, means for locking said seat pieces to said base plates, backplates pivoted to said seat pieces, a back plate pivotally' connected with said back pieces, and means for locking said back plate with respect to said back pieces.

9.' In a device of the character'described, base plates, eXtensible connecting means therefor, seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates and movable therewith, means for locking saidseat pieces to said base plates, back ieces pivoted to said seat pieces, an eXtensib e connection for said back pieces, a back plate pivoted to said back pieces and adapted to be locked thereto, and an adjustable foot rest pivotally connected with said'base plates.

10. In a device of the character described, base plates, extensible connections therefor, seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates, sides carried by said seat pieces, back pieces pivotally4 connected with said seat pieces, an extensible connection for said back pieces, a back plate pivotally connected with said back pieces, a foot rest, and means for permitting adjustment of said foot rest and for holding the same in its adjusted position.

'11.' In a device of the character described, base plates, legs connected therewith, sleeves mounted on said legs, means for locking said sleeves in' position thereon, wheels carried by said sleeves and adapted to be raised and lowered on said legs and turned within the same when the cart is folded, and a body formed of parts foldably carried by said base plates.

12. In a device of the character described, base plates, extensible connections therefor,

seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, side pieces carried by said seat pieces, means for adjusting said back pieces with respect to said sides, a back plate pivotally connected With said back pieces, and an extensible handle pivotally connected with said sides.

13. In a-device of the character described, base plates, seat pieces pivotally connected with said base plates, sides carried by said seat pieces, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, an extensible Vconnection for said back pieces, a plate carried by each of said side pieces having two recesses therein, handle bars mounted on said plates and having a pin adapted to be seated in one or the other of said recesses, and a locking nut for holding said pin in either of said recesses whereby the position of the handle can be adjusted and held in said adjusted position.

14. In a device of the character described, base plates, seat pieces pivotally connected therewith, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, means for adjusting the position of said back pieces, a back plate pivotally connected with said back pieces, a hook on said back plate, a catch carried by said back pieces and adapted to engage with said hook, whereby the parts are locked in position.

l5. In a device of the character described,

base plates, an extensible connection therefor, seat pieces pivotally connected with saidbase plates, sides carried by said seat pieces, back pieces pivotally connected with said seat pieces, segments having recesses,

brackets carried by said base plates, a foot piece pivotally connected with said brackets, an extension on each of said brackets having a lug adapted to engage the recesses in said segments, whereby the position of said lowing the parts tobe slidably moved to- I ward and from each other.

CARL S. GROSS.

Witnesses:

JOHN A. WIEDERSHEIM, C. D. MGVAY. 

